Ippudo at Mandarin Gallery: I Expected More for $20 Ramen

It seems that I always talk about places being great but the truth is I’ve had some sucky experiences. Just zero mood to write about it as I prefer to write about the positive ones. But since I don’t want you to waste your money or tummy space, I will start talking more about the less than perfect experiences I’ve had. I always say sometimes service and food can be inconsistent. Great on one visit and awful the next time, mainly due to high staff turnover and escalating rentals. Or perhaps just a lack of attention to detail? Guess it’s a tough job controlling all elements and experiences are so subjective.

For instance, everyone has been raving about Ippudo at Mandarin Gallery and prices and snaking queues are scary so we are only trying it now more than two years after it opened. I could not fault any aspect of the Ramen, but not out of this world, and I didn’t enjoy the communal seating after we paid so much. If I had to be picky, I would say the broth was too light for me and I would have preferred it to be more flavourful and the noodles more dense. I guess that is subjective, as this is how I like my ramen but you may like this version. Another bone to pick is that the drinks were expensive. A can of Calpis that would normally cost S$4.50 was S$5, and we were only served half a can or less. Left me hankering for more carbonated Calpis but I can’t seem to find it in the supermarket lately.

I can see the hype though. The place is very classy and almost feels like an elegant night club with the predominantly red interior, pine tables, and pretty chandeliers.

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.
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2 Responses to Ippudo at Mandarin Gallery: I Expected More for $20 Ramen

  1. I agree with you on your judgement on Ippudo! 🙂

    • bookjunkie says:

      Was wondering if I was being too harsh but glad I’m not alone then. But sometimes my visits are clouded also depending on other factors like the service I receive etc. That’s why I don’t consider myself a food critic or even a food blogger, just someone expressing her finicky tastes 😉 I would consider my partner to me more of a food critic because he knows a lot more about food and stuff. Definitely more refined taste than me – took some of his opinions on Ippudo.

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